ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s 

1

: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

felt ambivalence toward his powerful father

ambivalence toward marriage

2

a

: continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)

b

: uncertainty as to which approach to follow

ambivalence about their goals

Examples of ambivalence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a 1979 Rolling Stone interview, George Harrison expressed ambivalence about Beatlemania. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2024

Readers and educators expressed ambivalence about reading or teaching Munro again. —Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024

Eun-hyeok’s apparent ambivalence devastates Eun-yu, and triggers the monsterization process. —Kayti Burt, TIME, 19 July 2024

Sorokin wasn’t done showcasing her ambivalence, though. —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ambivalenz, from ambi- ambi- + -valenz, in Äquivalenz equivalence

Note: See note at ambivalent.

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s 

: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellion

—G. S. Blum

ambivalent

-lənt 

adjective

ambivalently adverb